Paramore - Self-titled

After losing two primary members of the band in 2010, Paramore have been resilient, and have continued to remain a band. After 3 and a half years of touring, as well as writing and recording music, they have finally released their well-anticipated fourth album. Of course, having released 'warm-up' songs known as the Singles Club in 2011, they initially received mixed reviews. However, this album takes Paramore to a whole new level.

Fast In My Car - Fast In My Car opens the album with its loud drums, making it sound almost like an anthem. At the beginning, the sound almost resembles that of bands like The Killers and Hole as soon as it launches into its speedy guitars and vocals. Some also say, this sounds like Garbage. I really like this song. Of course, lyrics are nothing to write home about but it provides us with an introduction to the band's new sound. This is the first time Paramore have used synths in the recordings of their songs, and it is clearly visible as soon as you start listening. It also makes you want to get up and dance, as soon as it launches into chorus. Not to mention, the chorus has a catchy melody which makes it easy to get it stuck in your head. Overall, it's a great song that ties us in to the album, and prepares us for what's to come.

Now - You can definitely hear a bit of Gwen Stefani influence in Hayley's voice at the beginning, it is rather evident. This song is the first single from Paramore, and we get a taste of the new sound. It has a really futuristic sound to it, which I guess works well with the lyrics 'If there's a future, we want it now'. The lyrics overall paint a nice picture in your head as to what the song is about, I guess. The synths work really well, and they give the song its edginess, as well as those drums. They make the song better. Particularly when the drums are in time with the lyrics, as Hayley sings 'No-o-o-ow'. The guitars give it a bit of a grunge edge, which is cool too. The song overall has an eerie sound to it, and Hayley's background vocals help add to that effect. I suppose, you can also say it is also a bit reminiscent of past Paramore.

Grow Up - This song is a really cool melodious pop-rock jam. I particularly enjoy Taylor's guitars during that chorus. I especially love the lyrics, and despite such angry lyrics, or frustrated lyrics, I enjoy Hayley's vocals. Particularly during the chorus. I enjoy them more during the bridge. Her soulful lyrics are what make the song truly what it is. I really don't have much to say about this, other than it is a jam, an absolute jam.

Daydreaming - This song is one of the standouts for me. What this song does is take you on an adventure with its melody, rhythm and music. Remember when Paramore revealed that this was the first song they wrote, and there was this massive hype over it? Well, even though we hadn't heard it, we sure it'd be good, and it was more than that. It is music to my ears, literally. I also think this song would be perfect for a soundtrack, I really like the buildup before the chorus. Yes, this song is definitely one of my favourites.

Interlude: Moving On - Here is where Paramore do something unexpected... have three interludes! But wait for more surprises, these interludes are played with a ukulele! This is the first Interlude out of the three, and I'm guessing it's about Paramore's last soap opera, if you guys know what I mean. The lyrics are quite obvious anyway, but enough storytelling and down to the actual review! You can hear some kind of feet tapping at the beginning, and then into this catchy rhythm we go. I like this interlude, it's catchy and makes you want to sing along. There's really not that much you can say about an interlude, I suppose, but at first, when I heard the iTunes preview, I was disappointed with the simplicity of it, and now I love it!

Ain't It Fun - This track is different to what Paramore have ever done before. It starts off with a cool funky vibe and Jeremy's basslines really adds to that, and really gets you singing along. What's great about this song is the build up of it, so it's fun to sing along to. Out of nowhere comes a gospel choir, and that's what I really love most about this song. It adds that gospel/soul aspect to it, and makes the song so much better. If the gospel choir doesn't make you feel like you're watching Sister Act, then it should. The gospel choir also takes you places, like a church, for instance. That's what it reminds me of.  I like the use of different instruments too to make the different sounds. This song is definitely experimental, and I think you can tell. The use of harmonies in this song is done really well as well, and if you do not like it, I do not understand how. It is definitely something magical, in my opinion.

Part II - Part II...? Part II of what? This is the successor to Let The Flames Begin, its sequel. What's so brilliant about this song is it sounds like Let The Flames Begin, but is its own song in its own right. What I particularly love about this song are how cleverly the lyrics are portrayed, making connections to LTFB "What a shame we all remain such fragile, broken things" and the constant repetition of "Oh glory". What I love more about this is the fact they've integrated the Monster live outro as the song's bridge. Hayley's vocals are perfection, and they show passion. This song also has one of the greatest instrumentals ever. It definitely meets an A+ in all areas. This song definitely lives up to the standards of its predecessor, and it is really well done. Props to Paramore.

Last Hope - This song is absolutely perfect. It's very calming and the guitar sort of reminds me of All I Wanted from their previous album, Brand New Eyes. It's a song with very powerful lyrics, and it is very empowering in its self. Such powerful lyrics such as "It's just a spark, but it's enough to keep me going" shows that even just a spark shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I think that is what Hayley Williams is aiming for with this song, that she's rising up, and there's hope for her, and us all. In saying that, you can definitely hear in it her vocals as well. There is just so much passion. The bridge is definitely a standout in the song as well. I think this song is really well done, and this song is a reason why Paramore continue to serve as an inspiration for many.

Still Into You - In my opinion, this is such a pop-rock gem. People have differing  opinions on this song, but even if you don't like it, after a while it starts to grow on you. Honestly, I liked this as soon as I heard it. However, I thought it was pretty weak, and easily forgettable. After a few listens, you can never get this out of your head. It has such a simple chorus but very upbeat, and great to sing a long to! I absolutely love the high notes that Hayley belts out during the bridge, it's nice to see her showcase her vocals. It has also done really well in the mainstream, so that's good! Overall, it's a fun, nice, and sweet song to jam to.

Anklebiters - This song has such a weird title, but we're here for music, not for names! Honestly, I just love how upbeat and energetic this song is. It has such a punk vibe to it with its guitars but then it launches into rhythmic rock music that makes you want to get up and dance, I really love how angst-y the lyrics are overall as well. The bass is definitely something that stands out in this song, and really gets the rhythm going. I think this probably has to be one of my favourites. I just wish it was longer. I can probably tell Paramore had so much fun recording this, particularly with the group vocals in this song. Overall, it's something worth listening to on repeat.

Interlude: Holiday - This interlude is very calming, and sort of gives me a Best Coast feel to it. Perfect introduction to the next part of the album.

Proof - The sound of this also somewhat alludes to new Paramore. I don't know why, but I just enjoy Ilan's drumming in this. I also love how funky the lyrics and vocals are. This is just a really awesome song, and I see that it has potential to do well commercially, if it becomes a single.

Hate To See Your Heart Break - I generally tend to skip this one, because I'm a not a fan of slow songs, or country-ish sounding songs, for that matter. When I first heard this, I thought Taylor Swift must've co-wrote this or something, and the title hints to that. However, can we please note how beautifully written it is? It's very sorrow, and while it is one of my least favourites, it's one of the best ballads Paramore has written, not that they generally do ballads, but it is just beautiful in general.

(One of Those) Crazy Girls - This starts off slow, and then starts to progress faster. Another love song, no surprise. This gives me a Best Coast tone at the beginning, and also reminds me of Demi Lovato's Here We Go Again towards the bridge. I love the melody of this song, and the overall tone. The instrumental is amazing, that it even has a guitar solo! Not many rock songs do that these days. It also takes me back to the past somehow. It's just a really good song.

Interlude: I'm Not Angry Anymore - People often say how much you can hear the Best Coast overtones in this interlude, and I do agree. This a catchy interlude which proves that the band have finally moved on from all their past dramas. This is my favourite of the interludes, and I really love Hayley's voice on this, alongside the ukulele. I could listen to this on repeat for hours on end.

Be Alone - This song starts off with kick-ass guitar riffs, then launches into speedy guitars and drums. I particularly like the harmonies in this song. This song reminds me of past Paramore, and I really love it. I really also like how well the background vocals are used. The random voiceover in the middle was pretty weird though. Other than that, it absolutely rocks.

Future - This is such an epic closer to the album. An epic finalé. This is also the longes song on the album, and the longest song Paramore have done, being close to 8 minutes. This song gives me feelings like no other, particularly with its lyrics. It shows that it's a step forward to the future, literally. "We don't think about the past" is a key lyric as well. It also has 5 minutes of post-rock instrumental, and that gives the song its big kick. Although what I really do not understand is the big fade in the middle, and I really think part of the instrumental was a missed opportunity, in which they could've used for vocals or something. Overall, this song is fantastic.

Paramore have once again proved that they are extraordinary musicians. This album is just overall fantastic, with maybe a few minor faults here and there but that's okay, because just how ideal it is makes up for that, and I think, they have also proven they could do it without the Farros. This probably has to be my favourite album by them yet, as well as my favourite release from this year so far. They have also proven that there is nothing wrong with experimenting with new sounds, as sometimes it could work, and it definitely has worked in their favour!

Islam, Women and Liberation

I'm really not sure where to start with this, but lately so-called "feminist" groups or 'rad-fem' (for a more colloquial term) groups have been protesting against the oppression of women in the Islamic world, or in other words, The Middle East and North Africa. Now, what the problem here is not protesting against oppression of Muslim women, but rather those feminist groups consisting of NON-Muslim women speaking over us, and dictating what is oppressive, without seeking our opinions on the subject.

I could post pictures from these protests, but I'd rather let you see for yourself. Just search "FEMEN protests", or "Topless Jihad day". Now, what the issue here is what they're protesting about. As an Arab Muslim, I do admit there being forms of oppression against women but this is NOT because of Islam, but the same cispatriachal system in the Western World, as well as it being a cultural problem. However, what their problem is they class Muslim women wearing hijabs and such as "oppression". Trust me, if Islam did oppress women, I would not be Muslim.

Yes, Sharia Law is sometimes harsh against women but do keep in mind that because of the cispatriachal system, Sharia law is misinterpreted. Islam gives a woman her rights. Islam gave women their rights, way before the Western World did. Islam is pro-choice, but abortion is still illegal in many countries. Actually, there's a surah in the Qur'an called "Al-Nisaa" which means "the women", but I don't see any of the Bible books named after women? Even Maryam (Mary) has her own surah in the Qur'an, and Jesus is just a prophet. Islam gives women the highest status.

What these NON-Muslims are essentially out to do is "liberate" Muslim women. No, thanks. We can liberate ourselves, and believe me, no white women can speak for me, for who I am, and what I believe. As well as how I live my life. Islam liberates me as a women. Also, how the hell is protesting topless going to liberate me as a Muslim women in any way? This neo-colonial feminism is very problematic. Believe me, if you believed in freedom for women, then you would allow them the freedom to wear whatever they want, and make the choices they want. If you believed in the freedom of women, then you would be out there protesting abortion being illegal, or the hijab ban in countries like France etc. Not targeting Islam, or Muslim women as a means of so-called "liberation" from their own "male-dominated, oppressive culture"

This is also applicable to men in general. Muslim, and non-Muslim. We do not want you to liberate us, whether it be through going to war to save brown women from "evil Islamist groups", or telling a Muslim women how to act. We can act for ourselves. We're well aware. They do not represent us.

Thanks to these Muslim[ah]'s for speaking out against it.

For extra reading, click here [1] [2], here and here.